Speaking on the Senate floor this morning, Sen. Lamar Alexander (R., Tenn.) announced his support for ratification of the New START treaty.
He outlined his support as follows: “The president has committed to an $85 billion, ten-year plan to make sure these weapons work. The treaty allows for inspection of Russian warheads. Our military leaders say it does nothing to interfere with development of our missile-defense system. The last six Republican secretaries of state support the treaty.”
“Americans are safer and more secure with the treaty than without it,” he said.
Alexander’s announcement means Republicans are dangerously short on votes, making it increasingly unlikely that START will be stopped before the end of the lame-duck session.
